Artist Nina Buxenbaum’s lush, beautifully rendered paintings exude echoes of Manet and Delacroix. Yet, they challenge viewers to question our desire for definition, particularly in connection to our society’s depiction of women of color. “Topsy -Turvy” opens on Thursday, January 4 and runs through Sunday, February 18, 2018. The opening reception will be held on Thursday, January 4 from 6 – 8 p.m. and includes a Q & A with Ms. Buxenbaum beginning at 6:30 p.m.. All are welcome to attend.
The inspiration behind this compelling series stems from actual “Topsy-Turvy” dolls, which emerged in the 19th century and were named after the character of Topsy in the famous Harriet Beecher Stowe novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Designed to look like a southern belle on one side, her dress conceals a black girl underneath. Buxenbaum’s arresting images reflect this intended confusion, asking us to question the multitude of ways in which we create and label our identities. Provocative, but always deeply engaging, these works ask us not to turn away but to look more intently at layered possibilities.